The Mets have just reported that injured ace Johan Santana, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will make his first rehab start with St. Lucie this Thursday.
Santana is expected to throw about 45 pitches and a detrmination as to another start will be made after they see how his shoulder responds in the days following. It will be his first time pitching in a real game in just over ten months.
If things progress without any setbacks, Santana could return to the Mets rotation sometime in late August.
Johan still has $55 million dollars remaining on his contract through 2013. The Mets hold an option for 2014 with a $5.5 million dollar buyout.
Lets keep our fingers crossed that Johan can get the most out of his start and more importantly that he does respond well and suffers no setbacks. We obviously still have a lot of money riding on his arm and heaven knows we surely need him back in the rotation.
That said, I’m not that keen on rushing him back just so he can pitch in some meaningless games in September. As I’ve stated before, I do believe it’s important for Johan to pitch for the Mets at some point this season even if it’s just a couple of starts.
It would provide the team with a huge psychological boost going into the offseason and looking forward to 2012.
Good luck on Thursday, El Gocho!
